ChronoSync | Perform File and Folder Synchronizations and Backups Like Clockwork

The complete sync tool.

ChronoSync is the complete data management utility that allows you to efficiently synchronize or backup files and folders from one disk location to another. There are hundreds of settings available within each Synchronizer document to customize your synchronizations. You can synchronize or backup files to almost any device. ChronoSync will even automatically mount other computers. Create as many documents as you need to handle all the synchronization and backup scenarios you have.

Synchronize

Whether you work on more than one computer or need to share files with someone on another computer, ChronoSync can handle it. Work on your laptop and sync. All of your files are copied over to your desktop. When you switch back, just sync and your changed files are copied back over to your laptop. Learn more...

Back Up

If you modify files on your source only and need a redundant copy on your destination, then you would need a back up copy of your files. Whatever you want to back up your Mac to, ChronoSync can handle it. Learn more...

Bootable

Besides backing up all your files, a bootable backup allows you to boot directly into the backup so you can run your Mac from the backup. Learn more...

Archive

Save old versions of your files in case you need to go back in time. Instead of just deleting files, ChronoSync saves deleted and modified files by storing them in an archive folder. Learn more...

Schedule

Analyze

Compare your data before and after every synchronization, utilizing the Analyze panel, running trial synchronizations, and viewing detailed printed logs. Learn more...

Connect

Synchronize or backup to almost any device. ChronoSync can even automatically mount other computers. Learn more...

Filter Data

Filtering gives you the flexibility to only copy files or folders you want from any set of data. Learn more...

Your data is safe.

Safe

ChronoSync uses a technique called "Relative State Monitoring" to detect file changes. This enables it to:

Detect deleted, moved, or renamed files and folders.
Move deleted and modified files to a special folder for later retrieval.
Detect modifications in both locations and alert you of conflicts.

ChronoSync offers other features that ensure the integrity of your data, such as:

Safe-copy. Files won't get replaced until the copy completes without errors.
Data verification. Ensures every file matches the original, byte-for-byte.
Detailed logs. You can see exactly what is being done with your files.
Email notifications. Peace-of-mind for unattended syncs and backups.

Smart

Best of all, ChronoSync is fast! This is because it only copies the files that have changed since your last synchronization. It literally can scan tens of thousands of files in minutes (or less) and it won't take all day like some other utilities do! Don't believe us? See for yourself! Just download and install ChronoSync to try it out. The demo version of ChronoSync contains a complete version of the product with certain features that are limited or disabled. If you would like to try a full working time limited version click here. So there's no risk, try it before you buy it.

Secure

Whether you use ChronoSync or not it is very important to keep a backup copy of all your data, it is the only way you can be secure if something goes wrong with your hard drive. So regardless if you are synchronizing files that you work on in two computers or just backing up files, ChronoSync maintains both copies so all your files stay in sync. Keeping you secure if something goes wrong.

Service

If you can't find the answers you need on our website, in the Help section, or in the manual, than drop us a line.

Keep multiple computers in sync.

Synchronization

Do you need to have your files on more than one computer? ChronoSync is the solution. ChronoSync synchronizes your files so when you switch computers all your files come with you. When you switch back, just sync and your changed files are updated on the other computer. If both files have changed, several options are given so you don't copy over a file you need. You only need to install ChronoSync on your primary Mac because ChronoSync mounts the destination Mac and synchronizes.

Mac to Mac

Whether it's one folder or all your files, ChronoSync keeps your files in sync on both your Macs. ChronoSync brings power and simplicity to the old hassles of keeping your laptop and desktop computers in sync. No more forgetting to update your contacts list, or forgetting to move that important presentation to the laptop. ChronoSync automates these tasks for you in a stable, easy-to-use environment. It keeps track of every file so only files that have changed get updated. You may only want to keep some folders and files in sync on your two Macs due to hard drive space limitations, no problem, ChronoSync can handle any scenario. If you want to keep everything the same on both Macs check out our Home-to-Home Sync tip on how to keep your entire User folder in sync on two Macs.

Mac to PC

ChronoSync only runs on a Mac but you can mount your PC and synchronize files between the two computers. Work on your Mac, sync, work on your PC, sync. It's that easy. Or sync sync between your Mac and someone's else's PC. ChronoSync keeps everyone in sync in a cross platform environment.

Warning!

You can not sync your System Files between two Macs or Applications between two Macs. You can sync almost anything else but do not synchronize two Macs until you have read the instructions in our tips section and understand how to setup Chronosync.

Keep multiple computers in sync.

Back it up

Back up some files, your entire user, or your entire Hard Drive. ChronoSync can handle any backup scenario you have. ChronoSync makes it easy to keep duplicate working copies of your precious files. Using the scheduling capabilities, you can devise quite sophisticated backup strategies. Hourly, daily, and weekly synchronizations can be scheduled to make sure that, at any instant, you have a working copy that you can revert to for any reason. You can even have backups occur automatically when a volume is mounted.

Automatic

ChronoSync makes sure you don't miss a backup. Schedule your backups for any time period you want or even schedule your backup to run when you launch your Mac or mount a volume. Add ChronoAgent to the mix and you can even backup a Mac when it joins a network. This is the perfect solution if you have Macs that need to be backed up but are not always available. Finally email notifications alert you of any missed backups.

Backup to anything

ChronoSync can back up any files on your Mac to any device you can mount on your Mac. This includes any computer or any device you connect to your Mac. Furthermore you can install the ChronoAgent on your destination Mac to gain full access of all files on both Macs. This is a great solution for synching from a Mac to a Mac server.

Backup your entire Mac.

What is a bootable backup?
A bootable backup is a backup of your entire Hard Drive. There is more to creating a bootable backup than just copying over all your files, that is why you need specialized software, like ChronoSync, to create and maintain a bootable backup. Besides backing up all your files, a bootable backup allows you to boot directly into the backup so you can run your Mac from the backup.

Under normal circumstances, it makes little sense to backup your entire boot drive. Outside of the Users folder there are System and Application files. Backing up these files would serve no purpose since, in most cases, you could not restore them, i.e. doing so requires knowledge and expertise of what files are important and what role they play in the operation of the system. However if you backup your entire hard drive with the correct settings, then you can restore files and even boot from this drive in the event your internal hard drive fails.

Click here to read the tip on creating and maintaining a bootable backup.

Just in case.

Archive

Save old versions of your files in case you need to go back in time. Instead of just deleting files, ChronoSync saves deleted and modified files by storing them in an archive folder. Set the archive parameters to save older files based on a specific number, length of time, or a combination of both. You can even compress archived files to save disk space.

Archive Panel

The list view of the Archive panel makes it easy to find, sort, and manage your archived files. Quickly find the file's name, type, version number, archive date, and file date. Then open or restore any older version of a file with one click.

Restore

No worries, ChronoSync stores past versions of files. If you need to go back in time and view an older version of a file or if you accidentally deleted a file you can retrieve it. You can even open multiple versions of the same file to compare differences. And if you want, you can restore older versions and keep the current version too.

Perform Synchronizations like clockwork.

Schedule It

The most powerful aspect of ChronoSync is scheduling. Create multiple synchronizer documents and schedule them separately or combine them in a ChronoSync Container to schedule them together. Schedule any synchronization to be performed automatically on a recurring basis to ensure files get reliably updated when needed. ChronoSync will automatically mount the destination and run the sync. You can schedule synchronizations to occur up to every minute or any combination you can come up with. Besides scheduling synchronizations based on time you can schedule a sync to run when a volume is mounted or when ChronoSync launches or quits. You can even initiate synchronizations using Applescripts.

Scheduled Documents Manager

All scheduled documents are listed in a Scheduled Documents Manager window so it is easy to manage your scheduled synchronizations. Quickly review all your scheduled synchronizations or edit any syncs with a double click of your mouse. Best of all, your synchronizations can be performed without ChronoSync running. A background application monitors the synchronized document schedule and performs scheduled synchronizations automatically.

To ensure reliability, email notification can be sent allowing you to monitor synchronizations remotely. So you will know if everything was backed up or even more importantly you will be notified if a sync did not run.

ChronoAgent

Add ChronoAgent to the destination Mac to gain even more scheduling options. ChronoAgent can automatically wake up a Mac when a backup runs to ensure that your scheduled backups are done. Schedule backups to run whenever a Mac joins a network. This is the perfect solution if you have Macbooks that need to be backed up but are not always available. Click here to see if you need the help of ChronoAgent.

See what happens before it happens.

Analyze your data

Compare your data before and after every synchronization, utilizing the Analyze panel, running trial synchronizations, and viewing detailed printed logs.

Trial Synchronizations

For peace of mind, run trial synchronizations before synchronizing. Trial synchronizations analyze all the files but don't actually synchronize. Instead, a list of file changes are displayed so you can see what happens before it happens. No other synchronizing application lets you manage your data so thoroughly.

Analyze Panel

Using Finder you can look at any files and folders on your Mac and using Get Info you can see the file info on any file. With ChronoSync's Analyze panel you can do all that from one window, but not just one target of your backup but both targets. You can sort, filter, view, and check the status of every folder and file that is destined to be synchronized. Compare the info of a file on the Left target to the same file on the Right target, even open the files, make changes, and see the effect immediately. Even instantly synchronize individual files and folders. So if your backing up your Pictures folder, you can see all the image files on your Mac and their counterparts on destination, instantly view the current status of any file and see if it is in sync, will be copied, or deleted.

Logs

Every synchronization and backup is logged so you can audit synchronizations and track down any problems. ChronoSync automatically keeps track of every error that occurs so you can investigate any problems. Furthermore you can even have the logs emailed to you so you can get the results of scheduled syncs whether you are at your Mac or away. If you are really meticulous you can have every file that is copied recorded in the log. All logs are accessible within ChronoSync or outside of ChronoSync by other applications.

Store your backups on almost anything.

Connect to anything

Synchronize to any storage device connected directly to your Mac or indirectly over a network. ChronoSync can copy to external storage devices like usb drives, firewire drives, NAS drives, flash drives, iPods, or other computers running Mac OS 9, Windows, Linux, or any operating system Mac OS X can mount. You can even connect to another Mac over the internet using MobileMe from Apple.

Direct Connect

The easiest and fastest way to backup files is to have a device directly connected to your Mac. ChronoSync will copy files between any combination of internal and external drives. Once you set up your sync you're done and ChronoSync will only sync to the device originally selected. If it's not available it will let you know so missed syncs won't go unnoticed.

ChronoAgent

Your Mac can mount another Mac. That's not a problem but you only have the same access as the user you are logged in as. There is no way to mount another Mac and gain full access to the destination's drive. Until now. ChronoAgent is a utility that runs on the destination Mac and communicates directly with ChronoSync giving you full access. Now you have full access to both Macs and you copy anything, no restrictions. Apple doesn't even offer that. Click here to see if you need the help of ChronoAgent.

Auto Mount

Mount drives from other computers and synchronize data back and forth. You only need to have ChronoSync running on your source Mac, whether you initiate a sync or a scheduled sync runs, ChronoSync will automatically mount the destination drive and sync. It's automatic.

Internet

If you need to access a Mac over the internet it can be done using Apple's MobileMe. Click here for instructions.

Only synchronize the files you want.

Filter files and folders

ChronoSync provides many options to include or exclude files and folders while synchronizing. Filtering gives you the flexibility to only copy files or folders you want from any set of data. Backup only the specific files or folders based on almost any criteria. Furthermore, you can easily and quickly extract specific files from a large set of files that would take hours to do manually. ChronoSync gives you complete control over all your synchronizations so you only copy the data you want.

Run Multiple Syncs Together

Synchronizing just one folder - like your Pictures folder - is no problem. Create a Synchronizer document for your Pictures folder. If you want to synchronize just five folders inside your Pictures folder, you can create five Synchronizer documents for the different folders and combine them in one Container document. A Container document runs multiple syncs as one.

ChronoSync Rules

Create rules to synchronize folders and files by name, date, size, creator codes, extension, labels, flags, permissions, or any combination of the above, adding intelligence and creating flexibility in the file selection process. For instance, you may want to only synchronize the files in your Pictures folder that contain a specific word in the filename. Just create a rule and only those files will copy over to the destination target. Likewise you can exclude any files you want. You can even run trial synchronizations or use the Analyze panel to view the outcome of your rules before you sync so you know the results before you actually copy anything.

Exclude

The Analyze panel lets you view all the files and folders for both targets that you are synchronizing. The simplest way to permanently exclude any file or an entire folder is to select it in the Analyze panel and exclude it. From that point on, it will not be copied to the destination. The Options panel gives you some easy filtering options like the ability to exclude all invisibles files or only copy folders that contain files.

Everything you need to know about running ChronoSync on your Mac.

Upgrade to Version 4
Any user who has ever purchased a previous version of ChronoSync is entitled to a free upgrade. However you will need a new License Key. Click here to get your free upgrade key. After you get your new License just download and run the installer to update.

Try before you buy
ChronoSync is only available as a electronic download. A physical package version is not available. Just download and install ChronoSync to try it out. The demo version of ChronoSync contains a complete version of the product with certain features that are limited or disabled. When you purchase the product, a license key is emailed to you that unlocks the application and makes it fully functional. If you would like to try a full working time limited version click here.

Technical Requirements
ChronoSync version 4.0 requires 50 MB in disk space to install. ChronoSync requires that you run an installer and enter your Admin User and password because ChronoSync must be installed at root level. ChronoSync must be stored in the Applications or Utilities folder to run properly. ChronoSync runs on Tiger (Mac OS 10.4), Leopard (Mac OS 10.5) and Snow Leopard (Mac OS 10.6). You might say it's cross-catform!

If you need an older version that runs on Panther (Mac OS 10.3) then send us a request.

Install ChronoSync
Download ChronoSync from the Downloads page. Once it is downloaded double click the Installer icon to install ChronoSync.

Remove ChronoSync
Download ChronoSync from the Downloads page. Inside the download there is an Uninstaller folder. Run the uninstaller to remove ChronoSync from your system.

Universal Application
What does that mean? It means ChronoSync will run natively on both Power PC (G3,G4,G5) and Intel based Macintosh computers. When you install ChronoSync, it automatically detects what kind of processor your Mac has to give you peak performance.

ChronoSync Translations
The ChronoSync download contains English, French, German, and Japanese translations. When you install ChronoSync, it automatically detects what language your Mac is using. However the manual is currently only available in English.